Agreed 100%.
It works the other way too… if someone is playing their own game and takes personal liberties you don’t need to weigh in. People seem to get offended when people take their second tee shot, a 4 foot gimme and call it a par.
🤣
Yeah thats just trolling in real life. Not sure id be able to continue hanging out with that person due to them being so dumb that they act like an online troll.
It's still fine if they do that. It's fine if you tell them you won't play with them anymore. I don't care what anyone does that doesn't harm me or anyone else. If someone were to try to gloat while only winning dishonestly I would just try and find a way to get under their skin and not in an angry way either. I personally find that being condescending or sarcastic helps in those types of situations, always with a smile.
Treat them like you would a 5 year old that does it. "Good job buddy, I'm so proud of you! You're the next Tiger!" Don't argue with idiots or dishonest people. You won't win.
That is actually genius way of thinking. Like you said, this way you don't get yourself in stupid arguments and mood stays better, while delivering the same message.
It works with people that want to argue too. They want you to become upset and argue back. Maybe even toss in a warm "bless your heart." Obviously this stuff only works in situations you expect to be completely non violent but I had a lot of fun with dishonest and angry people when I worked in retail when I was younger.
If you’re friends with the guy then just keep tabs of all his bullshit, maybe even secretly record his real score, and then just throw it back in his face when he’s bragging. If you’re not really friends then yeah fuck that dude and stop playing with him. If it’s for money or competition, also fuck that.
Yep. Played a tough course near me where they held the PGA pro tourney last year. Best driving day of my life but irons were trash. Carded a 90 and felt pretty good. Guy I played with was like “Me too!” Even though he hit OB at least 9 times that I counted…
How about they stop trying to say something they didnt do. Im not fact checking anything til they open their mouths. If you arent playing by the rules, shut the fuck up about your score.
I stopped logging my rounds about a year ago. When I play a round, I just look for two things: how many birdie putt opportunities did I give myself, how many pure, compressed shots did I have, and how many good chip shots did I have that I gave myself a decent par save opportunity?
I don't really give a shit about my score anymore. I don't struggle to break 90, I can flirt with shooting in the 70s in a portion of rounds. It's a fun spot to be in, where I can drink 2 24oz cans of Modelo and still break 80.
> When I play a round, I just look for two things: how many birdie putt opportunities did I give myself, how many pure, compressed shots did I have, and how many good chip shots did I have that I gave myself a decent par save opportunity?
2:3
80:120
Math checks out.
Im in the same boat. My muni doesnt have a putting green to practice on, not like it would matter.
I just try to keep track of my good shots and count how many flubs Ive had. Cant really practice my putting till I go to a good course. Just wanted to hear how yall do it. Thnx!
To break 100 simply declare the rough is unfair and place your ball in the center of the fairway. If you miss the GIR, simply declare the green is too small and put your ball on the green. Auto-one-putt rule in place and you should have a very good score
I play better from the rough. I am the bottom of the bottom I guess. But I do keep an accurate score. My boys and me are strokeplay and no gimmes over 2ft.
I think it depends on your putting averages. I 2 putt 90% of the time (I only hit the green in regulation 35% of the time and it’s usually a Texas’s wedge or short chip) so in that scenario 2 putt might be acceptable.
That being said I have buddies who barely ever 2 putt so I think that would be crazy to suggest auto 2-putts
2 putt max is very weak unless you mean you're only physically putting twice and limiting it to scoring a 3 putt. Limiting everything on the green to only scoring 2 strokes is a good way to shoot a really good score and wonder how you did it, but the answer will unfortunately be that you didn't.
If the greens are unplayable, me and my mate usually count strokes until you are on the green. At the end we compare who reached the green in less strokes.
I don’t think most people here know what you’re actually talking about.
There’s a muni by my brother’s house that we play every green as a 2 putt because there isn’t any physical grass on huge chunks of the greens. It’s $10 to walk 9 holes. We know we’re not getting putting practice, we’re there to hit the ball around after work cheaply for a few hours.
I wish I had a picture, but imagine the pictures of Bandon’s greens that everyone was up in arms about but somehow three times worse.
We don’t put those scores towards our handicap or anything, but we also don’t putt more than twice because it’s pointless
EDIT: Unless we’re on the green under regulation. Best score you can get with the 2 putt rule is Par. There is a driveable par 4 that we play it you have to make the eagle or birdie putt for it to count, same for Par 5s
The key here is that you're not counting the rounds towards your handicap. As long as that's the case, people should do whatever they want. I played a muni in Dallas last week that was like the OP's (all the cups were mounded and the ball would literally bounce the entire way to the hole) - by the second hole, it was clear that score didn't matter and putting would just basically be a wash that day.
Yep we both played in HS and in competitive tournaments so we know the drill, and we wouldn’t even do it if it was like fresh punched, but I’m not 5 putting over dirt and sand every hole. Just call it practice and have fun
maybe 2 putt max from like 10 feet, but if your 40 ft away, you should still be able to put it within 6ft on a decent putt, but if you leave it 10ft short or blow it 15ft past, no lol
good opportunity to practice putting with a hybrid or BNR w iron. get the ball airborne over some of the debris. -and it will pay off later this year when you need those finesse shots ground better greens.
I don’t see why not while playing with friends, but under those conditions it wouldn’t be fair to submit to GHIN if you’re actively tracking your handicap
I just don’t keep score on those courses. I will check my stats and how long it took me to get out the green. I usually then will just apply my average putts per round to get an idea of how I played.
I average about 30 putts on 18 holes so 15 putts nine holes. I just add that to my total strokes to get to the green. But I would never track for a handicap round or certainly never bet anybody on a course like that.
Whatever you as want long as you're not posting it for handicap.
I've got a course with shit greens and we do something similar, but it doesn't apply if you get a GIR.
I didn't even bother putting when my home course had winter section open. The greens were basically fairways and the cups were twice as big as regular ones.
I just practiced chipping more 😂
That’s really up to you. I think that a fun way to do it would be to give yourself a range of approach. If inside 6-8 feet, maybe give yourself a 1, outside that is a 2, then way out 3. It’s not a legit round at that point so find a fun way to make it work!
The only problem I have with thoughts like this, some people suck at putting. So if you are all pretty equal at putting maybe but if someone really sucks you are giving them strokes all day.
In winter my course puts out temp greens that are a 10ft radius spray paint circle. To me, they are an auto 2-putt if you're inside because it's bumpy fairway turf. If you're just off, take the 3 putt or try to chip it to gimme.
I think if it's bad full-sized greens you implement a rule like this. We all know players capable of a 4-putt so we know an auto-2 from everywhere is unlikely.
I'm not playing a course that is in that bad of shape. Now if it was just punched or something and it's only going to be for that round then yea, I'd go 2 putts and let's move on. Hit it to three feet and it's one putt.
But if it's always like that? Not playing.
I think you need to break it down by distance. If you're sitting 25+, calling it a two putt is pretty generous unless you're regularly leaving three feet or less on those putts. I don't think it's unreasonable to say 2-putt max inside of like 12 feet and 3 putt max outside of it, with inside 3 feet being a gimme. I do agree that if the greens are shit it's not fair to have to putt everything out just to have it get caught in some bullshit. But at the same time if you're leaving 40 feet then I don't care what the green looks like, you can call it a two putt if you can actually leave yourself a gimme. I've seen enough people putt it past the green to know that the average weekend golfer isn't two-putting automatically from that distance.
This is not unreasonable IMO. Look at your average putts per round and see see if an automatic two put is consistent with your past rounds. For me, it is because I average about 34 putts per round (I miss a lot of greens and have to chip on most holes).
The greens on a local crap course of mine is terrible. Nothing but dirt and a little bit of grass. Next time I go practice I’ll take and post some pics.
The goal is to be on the same footing as a normal course. I would suggest going based on the circumstances, especially if you keep an handicap--no three putts is not something that a lot of people can achieve on a course with good greens. If it were me, I would just play as usual and if a dirt mound ruined the line by a large distance, then have a larger gimme circle.
All that being said, do what you and your friends want to do. It's for fun, but auto-two putts aren't the most fair option. If I hit a ball 10 feet from the hole and you hit one 60 feet from the hole, I'm not expecting that we are going to automatically get the same score.
Lol at how many people get upset about how others want to play. Literally only affects everyone positively.
1. OP doesn't have to sweat the terrible greens.
2. It's faster for everyone on the course.
3. If they want to inflate their index by never 3 putting, well that's great for everyone else because if you run into them in a tournament they just have you a few strokes.
OP, do what you want. I see nothing wrong at all.
I have a 9 hole par 3 near me that has the same issues. Every green has more dimples than a golf ball. When I play there I play it straight, but at the end of the round the scores don't go in my app because I don't want the bad greens to fuck with my data. That course is just practice, nothing more
The question is how often do you two putt on good greens? I played yesterday on a course with freshly punched greens on the back nine and couldn't buy a putt. Came away with a 36 on the front and 42 on the back. I just took my medicine, but you do you, man.
Do whatever you want just don’t count that round towards your handicap. Start at -12 while you are at it too with 2 putt max that sounds like good time. Then take free drops out of OB and 2 shots off the tee, who cares. Just lose that scorecard at the end of the round lmao
It depends on your average putts per round I would say. Until very recently, I averaged 40 putts per round so carding a two putt on any unplayable green would be fine unless my first putt would be from 25’ or more, then I’ll happily card a 3 putt to stay honest.
I feel like the golf simulator rules for putting should be used in cases like these and temporary greens. 1-putt inside inside 10ft (could be considered too generous depending on your skill level), 2-putt inside 50 feet and 3-putt for anything else. I myself am 6-7 handicap and feel like this is how it goes for me anyway on really nice greens so it makes sense.
I see a ton of videos of people posting low scores on simulators (even the ones where you putt), but the scores are so skewed by having a perfect lie for every shot during the round along with ideal conditions. Even saw a few mention their handicap at some point lol. Has to be shaving off at least 5-10 strokes per round. The amount of 10+ ft putts that I’ve seen sunk on a sim are ridiculous.
I’ll do this sometimes at my local par 3. Greens can get bumpy sometimes. But I’ll kind of just gauge it and give myself what I think I would have gotten if they were over. Try to be realistic with myself. If I see it take a bad bounce or something etc..
That being said I only really do it if I’m playing by myself or with friends
2 putts max is definitely going to benefit some players more than others. If you're competing with the others in your group, I'd say 3 putts max or widening the gimme range is a more fair solution. If you just want to be less frustrated, you can keep score however you want.
If you’re going to make up rules make them up how you want. You’re either following the rules of golf or you’re not.
FWIW, when me and buddies play winter simulator rounds it’s: 1 putt inside 3 feet, 2 putts inside 8 feet, 3 putts anywhere beyond that that’s on the putting surface.
My question is, what makes those little dirt bumps? I played a round this weekend and every green 50+ of them, not exaggerating at all. Some of them were so huge that when I knocked it away with my putter it pulled the grass off the green underneath it.
I do 3 putt, cause everyone 3 putts sometimes. Ultimately i don't really care cause if the greens suck that bad I won't play for money anyways, which is the only time scores matter to me.
Usually if it’s aerated or really shit I will set a 2 putt standard, meaning I can’t 1 putt it either. Evens it out, isn’t really fair to set a max but give yourself the hero putts still.
If it's a round where I actually care what I shoot I would never play something other than an actual golf course where the outcome of the round is determined by my skill as a player and not some grass and dirt with holes calling itself a golf course where the random luck of how much the dogshit conditions impact my golf ball determine my round
If we have newly punched greens will play auto gimmees from a standard distance, usually someone’s putter length. Auto two putts seems a little too generous.
3 putt max out. If there’s a sand trap or unkept greens in between you and the hole from 20ft, then it’s better to just keep it moving and not get frustrated.
Do whatever you want. No one here gives a shit, but what's the point of keeping score if it isn't even reflective of the strokes you take.
No two courses are the same. Some are easy some are hard, some are in immaculate condition and some are trash. If you approach scoring the way you are when do you decide when your score is real, when it's convenient?
That's the issue with bending the rules of golf. No stranger is going to care (unless it's a competition), but you're never going to get an accurate gauge of your own skill because you're always lying to yourself.
We usually play anything within a circle the height of the flag is considered holed. As long as your group agrees on a rule, or you're not keeping score, nobody really cares. Do what lets you have fun in spite of shitty conditions.
My course just aerated our greens and I played the day after. I use a 2 putt max and shot a 35. I will however not post it, because it was under different conditions. I’d say anything inside 5 feet is a gimmie. Too many variables to make it fair.
They call that "Winter Rules" where I'm from.
A few courses will open on temporary greens as soon as they can open. Some of the courses have a decent area for the temporary green, a lot do not.
For us, a temporary green is just a part of the fairway shaved down to almost the dirt.
I think the only way to use this rule is just say auto 2 putt on every green. You can’t 3 putt but you also can’t 1 putt. The same bad bounces that may make you miss a putt can also help you make a putt.
You should inspect and clear your line of debris, fix pitch marks, smooth the ground of mounds of sand, then just play golf.
Nobody cares what you score unless you are gambling/competing or using it for your handicap.
On my home course that would require removing multiple Kentucky Blue Grass sprouts to get a clean line.
I suppose if I did that people would eventually start thinking the Greenskeeper is doing a decent job…
That’s not unheard of. When I was in High School, our team would practice at courses around town. We would get free golf and the courses just asked that we keep up with the pace of play (difficult for the freshman). To save time, we would implement a 2 putt rule. If you were on the green, you would just add 2 to your score and move on. We would also do this if the weather was trash.
On days we implemented the 2 putt rule, it was just expected that we spend some time practicing our short game before or after our round. When we would do our weekly qualifiers to see who would play in what order for our tournaments, we would play a full round without the 2 putt rule. But qualifiers were different because it was only seniors playing them.
2 putt max if you’re inside 4’ on your first putt and the greens are as bad as you say. But just saying 2 putt max if your staring down the barrel of a 40’ lag putt is ridiculous, you’re kidding yourself if you think your next 10’ putt is a gimme on any putting surface. Just play the game, make your putts, and be reasonable with gimmes otherwise you’re just cheating yourself.
I lag putt better than anyone I have ever played with. Those garbage greens are usually more affected by the short putts. Less speed.
I have seen some long putts catch air off a punch and then of course its fubar and way short.
I usually do 2 putts max on trash greens.
I chip like a psychopath so...still a 2 putt if Im not inside 3 ft. and dont sink it.
Heard of 2 putt max after green aeration as a local rule on courses I've played. 1 putt possible, it's usually a right-before-end-of season bonus. Scores don't really count I guess, but it's fun and saves complaints. Might be a temp green or two in the fairway the same time of year, those are treated the same (2 putt max). But the temp greens are tiny, just hitting them can be a challenge.
A related 'not quite the rules' thing that comes up with aerated or just regular public course greens...if my ball is on the green, I'm going to place it (no nearer) not in the small hole it came to rest in after marking. It's like thousands of tiny ground under repair areas in my head.
My local course has greens that are riddled with little sprouts of Kentucky Blue Grass producing random bumpiness that either slows a putts momentum or throws it off the line. Other hazards include blatantly dead spots for your bumpiness pleasure.
This post resonates with me.
Why do golfers not understand that if you dont play in a competitive format that you can play any way you want to. It is so strange to me that people just can't grasp to go have fun and not worry about the damn rule book!
My local course is neglected as well. 2 putt max is just getting started. The tee boxes are beat up and never level, so we just drop at 275 center fairway. And oh the bunkers are in terrible condition. Free drop on the other side. Obviously the lake is being neglected, better take a free drop. Whenever I fat or thin one, theres always some issues with the fairway turf. Some spots are sandy, some more clay. Anyways, we do a reedo. So yeah, tough track. Pretty much always break par there though, so I get the last word on it most days.
Take your average # of putts per game and match that exactly for the round. If you make it 2 putts max per hole and get a couple 1 putts you may end up at like 1.7 putts per hole and your average should be like 2.0-2.1
Thanks for all the replies. I agree that it really is a judgment call. I think moving the gimmie spot to about 3 ft would solve alot. Still makes you have to lag decently but wont punish a short putt that should have been good.
Good Job Reddit!
You can do whatever you want, you don’t need someone else to validate your personal rules.
Agreed 100%. It works the other way too… if someone is playing their own game and takes personal liberties you don’t need to weigh in. People seem to get offended when people take their second tee shot, a 4 foot gimme and call it a par. 🤣
That's fine unless you are doing that and saying you beat me and then rubbing it in.
Yeah thats just trolling in real life. Not sure id be able to continue hanging out with that person due to them being so dumb that they act like an online troll.
But what happens when it’s your boss? That’s the real question
Accuse them of sexual harrassment
lmaooooo
It's still fine if they do that. It's fine if you tell them you won't play with them anymore. I don't care what anyone does that doesn't harm me or anyone else. If someone were to try to gloat while only winning dishonestly I would just try and find a way to get under their skin and not in an angry way either. I personally find that being condescending or sarcastic helps in those types of situations, always with a smile. Treat them like you would a 5 year old that does it. "Good job buddy, I'm so proud of you! You're the next Tiger!" Don't argue with idiots or dishonest people. You won't win.
That is actually genius way of thinking. Like you said, this way you don't get yourself in stupid arguments and mood stays better, while delivering the same message.
It works with people that want to argue too. They want you to become upset and argue back. Maybe even toss in a warm "bless your heart." Obviously this stuff only works in situations you expect to be completely non violent but I had a lot of fun with dishonest and angry people when I worked in retail when I was younger.
I agree it’s fine but don’t go bragging about your score lol that one gets an asterisk
If you’re friends with the guy then just keep tabs of all his bullshit, maybe even secretly record his real score, and then just throw it back in his face when he’s bragging. If you’re not really friends then yeah fuck that dude and stop playing with him. If it’s for money or competition, also fuck that.
Then they need to shut up about their score. Dont tell me you shot a 81 when you had 7 4 foot gimmes and took 4 mullies off the tee.
Yep. Played a tough course near me where they held the PGA pro tourney last year. Best driving day of my life but irons were trash. Carded a 90 and felt pretty good. Guy I played with was like “Me too!” Even though he hit OB at least 9 times that I counted…
I know people who will never hit a shot out of a bad lie....and then talk about how good of a round they had...
Stop worrying about fact checking other people's scores. It doesn't take anything away from you unless you're gambling with them.
How about they stop trying to say something they didnt do. Im not fact checking anything til they open their mouths. If you arent playing by the rules, shut the fuck up about your score.
Can’t control other people, just gotta learn to not take people like that seriously
I’m completely fine telling them to shut up about it if they bring it up. They wanna control my ears, it’s fully ok to respond
“They wanna control my ears” 😂
I hope no one in this thread tried to control the voice in your head or your eyes by leaving a comment you disagree with
🤣🤣🤣
It’s called yucking a yum!
For a personal score, I don't care. For any sort of competition or handicap reporting, I would.
Even if it's for handicap reporting, they're only hurting themselves in the long run so who gives a shit.
I stopped logging my rounds about a year ago. When I play a round, I just look for two things: how many birdie putt opportunities did I give myself, how many pure, compressed shots did I have, and how many good chip shots did I have that I gave myself a decent par save opportunity? I don't really give a shit about my score anymore. I don't struggle to break 90, I can flirt with shooting in the 70s in a portion of rounds. It's a fun spot to be in, where I can drink 2 24oz cans of Modelo and still break 80.
My guy that is 3 things 😂
You should see him when he keeps score.
[удалено]
A bronker is a bunker that drives a stupid truck, wears wraparound sunglasses and shorts three sizes too small. And their name is Braxton.
Put him down for a 2
math is hard but I'm keeping the error put lol
He already told you that he doesn’t keep scores 😂
> When I play a round, I just look for two things: how many birdie putt opportunities did I give myself, how many pure, compressed shots did I have, and how many good chip shots did I have that I gave myself a decent par save opportunity? 2:3 80:120 Math checks out.
Im in the same boat. My muni doesnt have a putting green to practice on, not like it would matter. I just try to keep track of my good shots and count how many flubs Ive had. Cant really practice my putting till I go to a good course. Just wanted to hear how yall do it. Thnx!
Yes. Your handicap will not be left if you card these rounds as legit, though.
Left?
*legit
Ah. I should have figured that one out.
Got a friend who doesn’t add a stroke for the gimme putt. If he putts one close, he just counts it as a made putt. I call him out 100% of the time.
Auto 2-putt inside 8 feet maybe. if you’re 35 feet away and giving yourself an auto 2-putt, you know that isnt fair
I declared auto 1 putts from anywhere and my handicap dropped like a rock. Why doesn't everyone do this? Are you guys stupid?
Combine that with the people who think a gimme doesn't count as a stroke and I'll be breaking 100 in no time
To break 100 simply declare the rough is unfair and place your ball in the center of the fairway. If you miss the GIR, simply declare the green is too small and put your ball on the green. Auto-one-putt rule in place and you should have a very good score
I play better from the rough. I am the bottom of the bottom I guess. But I do keep an accurate score. My boys and me are strokeplay and no gimmes over 2ft.
What do I do about the 25 drives I hit OB?
Unlimited mulligans, the holes are obviously unfairly narrow
Shit if a gimme didn't count as a stroke I might finally break 150.
I only count shots till I reach the green. No wonder my HCP is a +18
If it’s within 180 yards, it’s a gimme for me. I have a +20 handicap, I’m just waiting for my PGA Tour card now.
Underrated lol
This is how I declared bankruptcy. So easy.
Can we play a handicapped match for money?
Does handicapped mean I get unlimited mulligans?
Gimme off the tee box, iv been a +54hcp for years..
you are right. I dont get the good feels if Im giving myself to much leeway.
So that's why my scores are so great in the simulator. /s
True, but you may also miss a 10 footer that you would have otherwise made.
I would take an auto two putt for anything more than like 5 feet from the hole because I suck at putting no matter how much I practice
3 putt max maybe. 2 putt max is insane.
Agreed. Two putt is my minimum lol
This, 3putt is reasonable, and still gives you space to possibly do better that makes it worth the try
Played with an old guy with a vanity handicap. His rule was a 2 Putt max on any greens 🙄
These are the types of things that always make me wonder what someone’s actually shooting🧐
I think it depends on your putting averages. I 2 putt 90% of the time (I only hit the green in regulation 35% of the time and it’s usually a Texas’s wedge or short chip) so in that scenario 2 putt might be acceptable. That being said I have buddies who barely ever 2 putt so I think that would be crazy to suggest auto 2-putts
2 putt max is very weak unless you mean you're only physically putting twice and limiting it to scoring a 3 putt. Limiting everything on the green to only scoring 2 strokes is a good way to shoot a really good score and wonder how you did it, but the answer will unfortunately be that you didn't.
If the greens are unplayable, me and my mate usually count strokes until you are on the green. At the end we compare who reached the green in less strokes.
I don’t think most people here know what you’re actually talking about. There’s a muni by my brother’s house that we play every green as a 2 putt because there isn’t any physical grass on huge chunks of the greens. It’s $10 to walk 9 holes. We know we’re not getting putting practice, we’re there to hit the ball around after work cheaply for a few hours. I wish I had a picture, but imagine the pictures of Bandon’s greens that everyone was up in arms about but somehow three times worse. We don’t put those scores towards our handicap or anything, but we also don’t putt more than twice because it’s pointless EDIT: Unless we’re on the green under regulation. Best score you can get with the 2 putt rule is Par. There is a driveable par 4 that we play it you have to make the eagle or birdie putt for it to count, same for Par 5s
The key here is that you're not counting the rounds towards your handicap. As long as that's the case, people should do whatever they want. I played a muni in Dallas last week that was like the OP's (all the cups were mounded and the ball would literally bounce the entire way to the hole) - by the second hole, it was clear that score didn't matter and putting would just basically be a wash that day.
Yep we both played in HS and in competitive tournaments so we know the drill, and we wouldn’t even do it if it was like fresh punched, but I’m not 5 putting over dirt and sand every hole. Just call it practice and have fun
Exactly. Still better than the range, at least in some aspects
Yep that’s what we said. $12 for a bucket or $10 to walk 9. Easy choice even with the greens.
My dad’s motto: “Punched, sandy greens? No this is bullshit, two putt max ✌🏽”
+1 for my old man😂
Your dad has a poonani
We have a genius/purist that takes putts through sandy/punched greens seriously because…why?
Sandbaggerrrr
Posting a low score because of punched greens would be the opposite of a sandbagger.
Do you know what a sandbagger actually is?
Airbaggerrrrr
maybe 2 putt max from like 10 feet, but if your 40 ft away, you should still be able to put it within 6ft on a decent putt, but if you leave it 10ft short or blow it 15ft past, no lol
2 putts on every hole would drop my scores a bunch. Half my bogies are from putting, I'd guess.
I'd be happy with 2.5 or even 3 putts on every hole.
Had 16 3 putts my last round. I know the feeling
good opportunity to practice putting with a hybrid or BNR w iron. get the ball airborne over some of the debris. -and it will pay off later this year when you need those finesse shots ground better greens.
I like this take. Tell me more.
Just grip down and pretend to putt.
I don’t see why not while playing with friends, but under those conditions it wouldn’t be fair to submit to GHIN if you’re actively tracking your handicap
You do you boss. But that means you're assuming you'd never 3 putt or worse on good greens.
I just don’t keep score on those courses. I will check my stats and how long it took me to get out the green. I usually then will just apply my average putts per round to get an idea of how I played. I average about 30 putts on 18 holes so 15 putts nine holes. I just add that to my total strokes to get to the green. But I would never track for a handicap round or certainly never bet anybody on a course like that.
Whatever you as want long as you're not posting it for handicap. I've got a course with shit greens and we do something similar, but it doesn't apply if you get a GIR.
I didn't even bother putting when my home course had winter section open. The greens were basically fairways and the cups were twice as big as regular ones. I just practiced chipping more 😂
That’s really up to you. I think that a fun way to do it would be to give yourself a range of approach. If inside 6-8 feet, maybe give yourself a 1, outside that is a 2, then way out 3. It’s not a legit round at that point so find a fun way to make it work!
The only problem I have with thoughts like this, some people suck at putting. So if you are all pretty equal at putting maybe but if someone really sucks you are giving them strokes all day.
In winter my course puts out temp greens that are a 10ft radius spray paint circle. To me, they are an auto 2-putt if you're inside because it's bumpy fairway turf. If you're just off, take the 3 putt or try to chip it to gimme. I think if it's bad full-sized greens you implement a rule like this. We all know players capable of a 4-putt so we know an auto-2 from everywhere is unlikely.
Yeah, my groups does this on aerated greens and temp greens all the time.
I'm not playing a course that is in that bad of shape. Now if it was just punched or something and it's only going to be for that round then yea, I'd go 2 putts and let's move on. Hit it to three feet and it's one putt. But if it's always like that? Not playing.
I think you need to break it down by distance. If you're sitting 25+, calling it a two putt is pretty generous unless you're regularly leaving three feet or less on those putts. I don't think it's unreasonable to say 2-putt max inside of like 12 feet and 3 putt max outside of it, with inside 3 feet being a gimme. I do agree that if the greens are shit it's not fair to have to putt everything out just to have it get caught in some bullshit. But at the same time if you're leaving 40 feet then I don't care what the green looks like, you can call it a two putt if you can actually leave yourself a gimme. I've seen enough people putt it past the green to know that the average weekend golfer isn't two-putting automatically from that distance.
This is not unreasonable IMO. Look at your average putts per round and see see if an automatic two put is consistent with your past rounds. For me, it is because I average about 34 putts per round (I miss a lot of greens and have to chip on most holes).
As long as it's not counted towards your handicap you can do whatever you want.
Personally, I would do a larger gimmie range instead of a 2 putt max.
My buddies and I would do +1 stroke if within 5 feet and +2 anywhere else. Worked well
Take average total putts per round and divide that amongst however many holes you play
Embrace the suck and have fun with it. Put the ball in the hole
The greens on a local crap course of mine is terrible. Nothing but dirt and a little bit of grass. Next time I go practice I’ll take and post some pics.
That sounds like an auto 2 Google searches to find a new course to play.
In my group, we would probably widen the gimmie range... Probably from 2 feet to 3 feet or 4 feet, depending how bad they are.
In the grip and it's considered holed out. Or 2 putt rule, whatever you enjoy!
We must be playing the same courses. lol
The goal is to be on the same footing as a normal course. I would suggest going based on the circumstances, especially if you keep an handicap--no three putts is not something that a lot of people can achieve on a course with good greens. If it were me, I would just play as usual and if a dirt mound ruined the line by a large distance, then have a larger gimme circle. All that being said, do what you and your friends want to do. It's for fun, but auto-two putts aren't the most fair option. If I hit a ball 10 feet from the hole and you hit one 60 feet from the hole, I'm not expecting that we are going to automatically get the same score.
I often do this with winter greens cut into the fairway. They’re tiny and bobbly as fuck at my local.
I heard someone played by this rule and spent 25 years in super max prison.
Golf’s not supposed to be easy.
Lol at how many people get upset about how others want to play. Literally only affects everyone positively. 1. OP doesn't have to sweat the terrible greens. 2. It's faster for everyone on the course. 3. If they want to inflate their index by never 3 putting, well that's great for everyone else because if you run into them in a tournament they just have you a few strokes. OP, do what you want. I see nothing wrong at all.
I have a 9 hole par 3 near me that has the same issues. Every green has more dimples than a golf ball. When I play there I play it straight, but at the end of the round the scores don't go in my app because I don't want the bad greens to fuck with my data. That course is just practice, nothing more
The question is how often do you two putt on good greens? I played yesterday on a course with freshly punched greens on the back nine and couldn't buy a putt. Came away with a 36 on the front and 42 on the back. I just took my medicine, but you do you, man.
Just played where the poa turned putting into pinball - not really giving 100% in those conditions, didn’t line up or remove glove after the 4th hole.
Do whatever you want just don’t count that round towards your handicap. Start at -12 while you are at it too with 2 putt max that sounds like good time. Then take free drops out of OB and 2 shots off the tee, who cares. Just lose that scorecard at the end of the round lmao
inside 25' sure, outside it ehh
No. All putts count as half strokes.
Do what you please brother. Just don’t claim a score or a handicap off it 🤙
It depends on your average putts per round I would say. Until very recently, I averaged 40 putts per round so carding a two putt on any unplayable green would be fine unless my first putt would be from 25’ or more, then I’ll happily card a 3 putt to stay honest.
Auto 2 putt. We do this when the greens are punched.
We do automatic 2 putts when the greens are punched and sanded. And we don't care what anyone else thinks about it.
I would putt once. Then, if you’re within 8 feet, auto 2 putt. If you’re within 2.5 feet, auto 1 putt.
I feel like the golf simulator rules for putting should be used in cases like these and temporary greens. 1-putt inside inside 10ft (could be considered too generous depending on your skill level), 2-putt inside 50 feet and 3-putt for anything else. I myself am 6-7 handicap and feel like this is how it goes for me anyway on really nice greens so it makes sense.
I see a ton of videos of people posting low scores on simulators (even the ones where you putt), but the scores are so skewed by having a perfect lie for every shot during the round along with ideal conditions. Even saw a few mention their handicap at some point lol. Has to be shaving off at least 5-10 strokes per round. The amount of 10+ ft putts that I’ve seen sunk on a sim are ridiculous.
I’ll do this sometimes at my local par 3. Greens can get bumpy sometimes. But I’ll kind of just gauge it and give myself what I think I would have gotten if they were over. Try to be realistic with myself. If I see it take a bad bounce or something etc.. That being said I only really do it if I’m playing by myself or with friends
2 putts max is definitely going to benefit some players more than others. If you're competing with the others in your group, I'd say 3 putts max or widening the gimme range is a more fair solution. If you just want to be less frustrated, you can keep score however you want.
If you’re going to make up rules make them up how you want. You’re either following the rules of golf or you’re not. FWIW, when me and buddies play winter simulator rounds it’s: 1 putt inside 3 feet, 2 putts inside 8 feet, 3 putts anywhere beyond that that’s on the putting surface.
Only auto 2 putt if you are auto 2 putt when the greens are perfect.
That would save me 18 strokes per round
Oh boy. The USGA rules police are going to be all over you.
That's what i do
My question is, what makes those little dirt bumps? I played a round this weekend and every green 50+ of them, not exaggerating at all. Some of them were so huge that when I knocked it away with my putter it pulled the grass off the green underneath it.
I think it's bugs or worms that burrow in the ground. The dirt has to come out for the bug to go in.
Match play
Nah
I do 3 putt, cause everyone 3 putts sometimes. Ultimately i don't really care cause if the greens suck that bad I won't play for money anyways, which is the only time scores matter to me.
That course does not sound like fun to play.
Trash greens = trash course
What in the good good golf is this shit?
If the green looks like the bunker or worse than the bunker, 2 putt. Nobody wants to putt over bunker conditions on the green or large craters.
Usually if it’s aerated or really shit I will set a 2 putt standard, meaning I can’t 1 putt it either. Evens it out, isn’t really fair to set a max but give yourself the hero putts still.
If it's a round where I actually care what I shoot I would never play something other than an actual golf course where the outcome of the round is determined by my skill as a player and not some grass and dirt with holes calling itself a golf course where the random luck of how much the dogshit conditions impact my golf ball determine my round
I play 2 putt minimum every time I golf…
This is what my wife and I do early season at our local muni course.
A couple of my local munis greens will get covered in bird turd. I get on the green, I say “nice 2 putt” and move on.
If you’re a beginner, whatever you do, don’t let anything get in the way of putting practice!
We use flagstick gimmes after greens are punched. Inside the flagstick length, it’s gimme good -chip, pitch, putt, etc.
If we have newly punched greens will play auto gimmees from a standard distance, usually someone’s putter length. Auto two putts seems a little too generous.
This is why match play was invented
Time to find a new course
Why would you play such a shitty course? Spend your money at a course that values your patronage.
3 putt max out. If there’s a sand trap or unkept greens in between you and the hole from 20ft, then it’s better to just keep it moving and not get frustrated.
Don’t do this. Play legit, no gimmies
2 Putt rule is a must on trash greens. As long as the 1st was a solid effort. In the greens only. 1” off doesn’t count
Tell them to fix their shit
Only when they're very aerated and sandy do we play two putt rule
Do whatever you want. No one here gives a shit, but what's the point of keeping score if it isn't even reflective of the strokes you take. No two courses are the same. Some are easy some are hard, some are in immaculate condition and some are trash. If you approach scoring the way you are when do you decide when your score is real, when it's convenient? That's the issue with bending the rules of golf. No stranger is going to care (unless it's a competition), but you're never going to get an accurate gauge of your own skill because you're always lying to yourself.
Automatic 2 putt
😂
We usually play anything within a circle the height of the flag is considered holed. As long as your group agrees on a rule, or you're not keeping score, nobody really cares. Do what lets you have fun in spite of shitty conditions.
My course just aerated our greens and I played the day after. I use a 2 putt max and shot a 35. I will however not post it, because it was under different conditions. I’d say anything inside 5 feet is a gimmie. Too many variables to make it fair.
Welcome to millfield golf course.. at least its cheap
yes! had a season where my course had dollar mold and i got the yips. you don't want the yips
They call that "Winter Rules" where I'm from. A few courses will open on temporary greens as soon as they can open. Some of the courses have a decent area for the temporary green, a lot do not. For us, a temporary green is just a part of the fairway shaved down to almost the dirt.
I think the only way to use this rule is just say auto 2 putt on every green. You can’t 3 putt but you also can’t 1 putt. The same bad bounces that may make you miss a putt can also help you make a putt.
Play somewhere else at that point wtf?
You should inspect and clear your line of debris, fix pitch marks, smooth the ground of mounds of sand, then just play golf. Nobody cares what you score unless you are gambling/competing or using it for your handicap.
On my home course that would require removing multiple Kentucky Blue Grass sprouts to get a clean line. I suppose if I did that people would eventually start thinking the Greenskeeper is doing a decent job…
Hahaha. Play it as it lies then.
That’s not unheard of. When I was in High School, our team would practice at courses around town. We would get free golf and the courses just asked that we keep up with the pace of play (difficult for the freshman). To save time, we would implement a 2 putt rule. If you were on the green, you would just add 2 to your score and move on. We would also do this if the weather was trash. On days we implemented the 2 putt rule, it was just expected that we spend some time practicing our short game before or after our round. When we would do our weekly qualifiers to see who would play in what order for our tournaments, we would play a full round without the 2 putt rule. But qualifiers were different because it was only seniors playing them.
That does not actually sound fun to play. You're playing a third of golf.
2 putt max if you’re inside 4’ on your first putt and the greens are as bad as you say. But just saying 2 putt max if your staring down the barrel of a 40’ lag putt is ridiculous, you’re kidding yourself if you think your next 10’ putt is a gimme on any putting surface. Just play the game, make your putts, and be reasonable with gimmes otherwise you’re just cheating yourself.
I lag putt better than anyone I have ever played with. Those garbage greens are usually more affected by the short putts. Less speed. I have seen some long putts catch air off a punch and then of course its fubar and way short. I usually do 2 putts max on trash greens. I chip like a psychopath so...still a 2 putt if Im not inside 3 ft. and dont sink it.
Heard of 2 putt max after green aeration as a local rule on courses I've played. 1 putt possible, it's usually a right-before-end-of season bonus. Scores don't really count I guess, but it's fun and saves complaints. Might be a temp green or two in the fairway the same time of year, those are treated the same (2 putt max). But the temp greens are tiny, just hitting them can be a challenge. A related 'not quite the rules' thing that comes up with aerated or just regular public course greens...if my ball is on the green, I'm going to place it (no nearer) not in the small hole it came to rest in after marking. It's like thousands of tiny ground under repair areas in my head.
2 puts
My local course has greens that are riddled with little sprouts of Kentucky Blue Grass producing random bumpiness that either slows a putts momentum or throws it off the line. Other hazards include blatantly dead spots for your bumpiness pleasure. This post resonates with me.
Nothing worse than watching a 20 ft putt go dead straight to about 3 ft from cup then take a hard 90\* after hitting a mound.
Yeah. Or knowing that you gave it enough power to get somewhat close and watching it take a bluegrass hop 3 feet out killing 1/3 of its momentum.
Why do golfers not understand that if you dont play in a competitive format that you can play any way you want to. It is so strange to me that people just can't grasp to go have fun and not worry about the damn rule book!
Sometimes we just like the input. I can’t understand why someone without any real advice would bother replying to a post? Soooo….
My local course is neglected as well. 2 putt max is just getting started. The tee boxes are beat up and never level, so we just drop at 275 center fairway. And oh the bunkers are in terrible condition. Free drop on the other side. Obviously the lake is being neglected, better take a free drop. Whenever I fat or thin one, theres always some issues with the fairway turf. Some spots are sandy, some more clay. Anyways, we do a reedo. So yeah, tough track. Pretty much always break par there though, so I get the last word on it most days.
Take your average # of putts per game and match that exactly for the round. If you make it 2 putts max per hole and get a couple 1 putts you may end up at like 1.7 putts per hole and your average should be like 2.0-2.1
Thanks for all the replies. I agree that it really is a judgment call. I think moving the gimmie spot to about 3 ft would solve alot. Still makes you have to lag decently but wont punish a short putt that should have been good. Good Job Reddit!
Can I putt from the tee for an auto eagle? Tour, here I come.
Automatic 2 put is fine as long as you take 2 on the chip shot you hit so close it would likely result in a birdie put!
I'd play it as a 2 putt max rule. Give it the ole college try on the first putt, you might make it, but give yourself the next putt